2012 LA Auto Show - Hot For 2013!

Scene: LA Auto Show; Los Angeles, CA

From as far back as I can remember, going to the LA Auto Show is something I always looked forward to. My dad would take pictures of me sitting in all the high-end exotics and place the prints in an album with little handwritten notes that read "Someday..."—and, well, look at where I am today. I still don't own that Porsche yet, but that doesn't stop me from going in on press days so that I can go make ‘vroom-vroom' noises while my staff looks at me in disbelief while shaking their heads. Hey, at least I've kept that old flame from dying out...

Bentley Continental GT3
The name Bentley doesn't normally make you think "race car" but the company is here to change that notion with its Continental GT3 concept race car, debuted for the first time at this show. The GT3 is based off the Continental GT Speed flagship model and if all things go according to plan, you may see this making its official track debut by the end of the year.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series
Looking for a panty/chonie-dropper? Look no further than Mercedes' SLS AMG from the Black Series line. This stunning coupe comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 6.3L V8 that boasts 622hp and can do 0-60 in 3.5-seconds. When your standard AMG just isn't enough, we all know which way to turn.

2014 Nissan GT-R
It's tough to improve on a car that's already so damn perfect from the factory but that hasn't stopped Nissan from making subtle changes to its infamous flagship, the GT-R. Engine-wise, the VR38DETT will continue to deliver 545hp but has improved mid-range engine response and acceleration. Premium models will have optional interior trim available to the buyer.

2014 Acura RLX
The successor to the RL from Acura comes in the form of this, the RLX, equipped with a 310hp 3.5L V6 and Sequential Sportshift six-speed auto transmission. We're already digging the way it looks, especially the head and taillight treatments.

2014 Jaguar XFR-S
Jaguar's another European brand coming in with a hot, beefed-up version of its XF model with the XFR-S, the ‘R-S' adding in plenty of carbon-fiber exterior pieces, forged/lightweight 20" wheels, performance exhaust, 8-speed transmission and a 550hp supercharged 5.0L V8. Coming in hot at a mere $99K (starting price).

2013 Honda Civic Si
Redesigned right in time for its 40th anniversary in the States was the debut of Honda's Civic, mostly in the name of exterior and interior changes. The Civic comes with a lot of standard features now, including Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, rear backup camera, Pandora, SMS text message (perfect for someone like Mr. Du) and steering wheel audio controls.

Volvo Polestar S60
One name that probably doesn't do much for you is Volvo, but add Polestar to the mix and suddenly the game changes. Serving as the factory performance division to Volvo, they've taken the S60 sedan and made it, well, f'king awesome. How awesome you say? 500hp from a highly-modified 3.0L I-6 is what you tell ‘em. But don't expect to find these in large production numbers. Polestar only has enough parts on-hand to build 10 and they've already been spoken for.

2013 Porsche Cayman/ Cayman S
We totally dig that Porsche always isolates themselves from the rest of the class when it comes to the LA Auto Show. With an always-clean and modern display, and with a 904 Carrera GTS to greet you at the entrance, they debuted their Cayman and Cayman S offerings, the standard model boasting 275hp/213lb-ft while the S comes with 325hp/272lb-ft. We're hoping to get some seat time in this in the near future, so look out for our ‘Flash Drives' section!